Roar set to face new-look Reds

Liverpool FC could trot out a host of new signings for the first time when they take on Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium next month.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has been busy in recent weeks rebuilding his squad after the off-season departure of a number of key players including internationals Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson and Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones.

A string of other name players, including Italian Mario Balotelli, have also been linked to moves away from Anfield.

Rodgers has already made three major signings since the end of last season. They are James Milner (Manchester City), Danny Ings (Burnley) and Adam Bogden (Bolton).

Media reports also have speculated that Liverpool could make a huge bid for talented Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino, who was thought to be headed to Old Trafford.

Rodgers is not expected to name his touring squad for another few weeks but could use the tour matches in Thailand, Australia and Malaysia as a starting point to begin blending his new-look side.

The Brisbane match, on Friday, 17 July (6.45pm kick off) will be just 22 days before Liverpool open their 2015/16 Premier League campaign with an away match against Stoke City at Britannia Stadium followed seven days later by a match against Bournemouth at Anfield.

Billy Hogan, Liverpool FC's chief commercial officer, Billy Hogan, told the club's website today that the Reds were excited to be visiting Brisbane for the first time.

"The welcome we received from our Australian fans during our visit to Melbourne in 2013 was unbelievable and we hope to be able to engage with as many of our Australian supporters as possible during this visit," he said.

"It's great to give supporters the chance to see the team up close, no matter how far away from Anfield they live, and we are delighted to be able to make this a reality for even more of our fans."

The Reds' fixture at Suncorp Stadium is just one part of a program of activity the club will undertake while on tour.

As well as the first-team squad, the touring party will include coaching staff from the club's charity, the Liverpool FC Foundation, to carry out work in the community throughout the visit as well as taking part in events with official LFC supporters' clubs, Hogan said.